Ft Lauderdale Family, Cosmetic, and Sedation Dentistry Blog | Dr. Thomas O'Neil

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Relaxed at the Dentist?!

Imagine being completely relaxed. Do you picture yourself on a beautiful beach, with the sound of waves crashing against the shore? Or do you picture yourself at the dentist, absolutely relaxed while you get a complete smile makeover? You would probably say the beach scene would be something you think of right away. But wouldn’t you rather like to say a visit to the dentist is the case?

Many people are choosing conscious sedation dentistry for their dental treatment to get this result.

Dr. Thomas O’Neil of Tamarac, FL is one of the 1% of dentists in the United States that has completed the training required to qualify for conscious sedation dentistry. He often uses a combination of various methods to make his patients relaxed and comfortable during treatment.

The most popular method is Nitrous 0xide (N₂0), also known as laughing gas. N₂0 has been used in dentistry since 1840. It is usually not used as a sole anesthetic, so a combination of N₂0 and other anesthetics are usually used in treatment.

Oral sedatives include medications of various dosages that patients can take 30 minutes to an hour prior to their dental appointment or at the time of the appointment depending on the severity of anxiety.

A stronger method of sedation is intravenous sedation (IV sedation). IV sedation includes administering a drug like Versed through an IV to effect the sedation.

Conscious sedation dentistry is often confused with sleep dentistry. Sleep dentistry refers to the use of anesthesia in an amount that will cause a patient to lose consciousness.


Dr. O’Neil prides himself on being a comfortable and gentle dentist. He even admits that he himself has a sensitive gag reflex, so he can relate to patients that are gaggers or have any dental phobia.

To find out more about conscious sedation dentistry, visit Dr. O’Neil’s website at www.pleasantdentistry.com.

Written by Katie Gannon

Labels: , ,

posted by The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil at 8:59 AM

Monday, January 18, 2010

ORAL HYGIENE ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT DURING PREGNANCY

The American Dental Association (ADA) released a statement stressing the importance of exceptionally good oral hygiene during pregnancy. The link between oral health in pregnant mothers and the overall health of their unborn child is a relatively recent discovery

Specifically, the ADA research suggests: “ there may be an association between maternal gum disease and pre-term birth and low birth weight babies. In addition, a recent study says that pregnant women with gum disease may be more likely to develop gestational diabetes.” Without this information, pregnant women have placed dental care low on their list of priorities during pregnancy. These studies may change that
.
If you are planning a pregnancy, schedule a dental checkup for a cleaning. If you are pregnant, continue your regular dental visits. Be sure to inform Dr. Thomas O’Neil if you are pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant. In addition to regular dental visits, the ADA recommends maintaining your dental hygiene by brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth at least once a day with floss.
The link between a pregnant mother’s oral health and her unborn child’s
overall health is becoming stronger by the day. Therefore, it is important to contact our office in Tamarac as soon as possible to schedule your next appointment! Our staff is amazing and has the ability to make anyone enjoy their experience-no matter how much of a dental phobia they may have!!!

By: Chelsi & Tammie

posted by The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil at 11:13 AM

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Bru's Room probably didn't know what hit them, but on Demember 17th, Dr. O'Neil and our team celebrated our Annual Holiday Luncheon. We enjoyed amazing food and great conversation. We also did our secret gift exchange. We reminisced about the past events of 2009 and look forward to a great 2010. Make your New Years resolution now and make an appointment at Dr. O'Neil's office in Tamarac, Florida for a wonderful and healthy smile.

Written by: Tracie and Daniela

posted by The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil at 1:15 PM

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

DR. O'NEIL WANTS TO KNOW, "DO YOU TWITTER?"...WE DO! GIVE US A TWEET AND GET "TWEETS" FROM DR. O'NEIL! ARE YOU A FAN OF OURS? MAKE SURE YOU "BECOME A FAN" OF OUR SPECIALS AND HAPPENINGS IN OUR OFFICE.

DR O'NEIL IS NOW ON TWITTER AND FACEBOOK TO BETTER COMMUNICATE WITH OUR CLIENTS AND FRIENDS TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE IS KEPT UP TO DATE WITH EVERYTHING GOING ON IN OUR OFFICE.

THROUGH THESES NETWORKING SITES YOU CAN SHARE WITH US ANY GREAT IDEALS YOU HAVE WE MIGHT IMPLEMENT OR YOU CAN LET THE WORLD KNOW HOW MUCH YOU LOVE COMING TO OUR OFFICE AND HOW WONDERFUL YOU THINK OUR DOCTORS ARE! THESES SITES ARE A GREAT WAY FOR US TO GET YOUR FEEDBACK AND TO HELP US SERVE YOU BETTER-AFTER ALL, THAT'S WHAT WE ARE HERE FOR!

SO "TWEET" US AND "BECOME A FAN" OF OURS TODAY!

WRITTEN BY DEBBIE ANS LINETTE

posted by The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil at 12:59 PM

Dental Care for Children

The key to cavity prevention is from the beginning, when teeth first emerge. Parents often have questions about how to take care of their children's teeth. When should you start brushing? When should you go to the dentist? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you keep your kids teeth healthy and cavity free. You should start cleaning your child's teeth as soon as they get their first tooth and all children need regular dental care starting at age three. Children are affected by decay as soon as they emerge and occur faster in children's mouths than in adults. By brushing your child's teeth you remove the plaque bacteria which are responsible for this tooth decay. The key to making your child brush id to make it fun. One way to make it fun for them is have them brush your teeth or practice on their favorite doll. It is also very important to take your child to the dentist to make sure their teeth are growing properly. We welcome you to schedule your child's first appointment at Dr. O'Neil's office in Tamarac, Florida. And remember, we are now open early mornings, evenings, and Saturdays for your convenience. For more information about our practice, please visit www.Drtoneil.com.

Tahyana and Tammy

posted by The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil at 10:23 AM

Friday, December 18, 2009

Best Ways to Disinfect your Toothbrush

You may know you need to change your toothbrush every 2-3 months but everyday toothbrushes are exposed to dirty bacteria living in your bathroom. Keeping your toothbrush clean is essential for effective teeth cleaning and a perfect smile. A single toothbrush can harbor millions of microorganisms, which translates into harmful bacteria- bacteria that thrive in the warm, moist environment of the average bathroom. That’s millions of microscopic bugs that can cause the flu, colds and other illnesses! There are many different ways to clean your toothbrush. You can soak your toothbrush in an antiseptic mouthwash rinse and air dry your toothbrush, making sure it avoids other brushes, or microwave your toothbrush on high for 10 seconds. Of course, no toothbrush sanitizer can improve a badly worn toothbrush that needs to be replaced. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you replace your toothbrush every three months or after an illness. We would love to have you come in and visit our newly renovated office and get a cleaning done by our friendly and comforting Dental Hygienist Bernadette. She’s the perfect person to further educate you on your dental hygiene. If you haven’t been here before come into our Tamarac office and take advantage of our special. We are currently offering a free complete exam and x-rays! See you soon!


Chelsi & Tammie

posted by The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil at 9:00 AM

Thursday, December 17, 2009

ALL ABOUT IMPROVEMENT

Our staff is all about improvement! We go to seminars and training whenever possible. We are very aware of our need to stay up with the latest technology. Here at Dr. O’Neil’s office we stay focused on the best dentistry has to offer. All of the above are to give our patients the best care available. You will be in good hands here at Dr. O’Neil’s office centrally located in Tamarac, FL (Broward County).

Bernadette & Stacy

posted by The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil at 12:06 PM

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays!

We all know the holidays can cause extra stress for everyone. No matter what is causing your stress, bruxism can often be the result. Bruxism is clenching or grinding of the teeth. Symptoms of bruxism are a tired jaw, difficulty in opening or closing your mouth, sensitive teeth, ear aches or pain in your jaw joint.

These symptoms that are stress induced can lead to other serious dental problems. Dr. O’Neil’s state of the art office offers free exam and x-rays if you have not been here yet where you will be evaluated for all of these symptoms.

Call today for your appointment or send us an e-mail before it is too late!
(954) 720-9570
www.drtoneil.com

By Brandee & Katie

posted by The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil at 1:58 PM

Miami Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. O'Neil and Associates

7707 N. University Dr., Suite 201
Tamarac, FL 33321

Call Dr. O’Neil at (954) 720-9570 or fill out an online contact form so we can get in touch with you.